P04.25 Sexual health problems among adult males of north india: a community based study

Abstract

Introduction Sexual health problem, though less studied, is an important public health problem. The magnitude of sexual health problems in Indian population, due to various myths and cultural taboos, may be alarming. However, there has never been a community based study to document the magnitude of sexual health problems. Objective To estimate the prevalence of different types of sexual health problems in adult males aged 18 or more in rural Haryana and identify various factors associated with reported sexual health problems. Methodology The study was conducted in a sample of 900 adult males of Faridabad district of Haryana. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle practices, sexual habits and practices and self-reported sexual problems were captured. Sexual health problems studied were erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PME), nocturnal emission, loss of libido, defect in semen and genitalia and culture bound sexual neurosis. Bi-variate analysis was done to find out the factors associated with presence of sexual health problems. Results Nearly 50% of the participants reported having any of the sexual health problems. Common sexual health problems reported were ED (20%), PME (14.6%), nocturnal emission (13.6%), defect in semen (33%), loss of libido (20%), and culture bound sexual neurosis (5%). Adults males of more than 30 years of age and who were current alcoholic and smoker with duration of intake more than 10 years, cannabis users, having history of snoring and chronic illness were at significantly higher risk of having a sexual health problem. Conclusion The prevalence of sexual health problems was high in the study population. High prevalence of sexual health problems warrants a community level intervention as most of the factors associated were modifiable. A holistic care and support mechanism to deal with sexual health problems is required.